Scan barcode
A review by heather4994
Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill
5.0
I loved this book! Julia, better known as Book Licker is as straight as they come. She follows all the rules whether it's unpack your suitcase as soon as you arrive or always carry a map with you. She's sure to follow them. I understand her need for order, her need to please, therefore follow the rules. I liked her even though I know some people had complaints about her. It takes a lot of time and effort to follow all the rules that society, school, parents, friends etc have laid out. So is it any wonder she hasn't had much fun and she's so uptight and let's face it, a little angry. If she let's go then she might unravel, and who would she be without all her rules to keep her in line. I think she was a little scared to let go, to find out who Julia really was.
So she gets paired with Jason. He was endearing at times, but also a jerk. His actions were a little more erratic and confusing. He takes Julia to a party and then abandons her. Julia hasn't had enough to drink to really let go yet, so she's able to shake off the unattractive and offensive boys. But then as the night wears on, she's able to pretend she's someone else. And she loves not being "Book Licker". And that's when she gives out her number to so many boys she can't remember who the boy is that is texting her on the "only to be used for emergencies" phone provided by the school trip organizers. Jason takes advantage of that situation, something she expects and says he'll help her win him over if she writes their reflection papers. What ensues is a week of chasing they mysterious Chris around the streets of London trying not to get caught while Julia breaks the rules and finally learns to have fun. I see a lot of character growth in her since the story is told from her point of view and it's great to see. She let's go of a lot of preconceived notions and barriers she has and opens up to new possibilities that don't limit her.
But Jason starts out acting like a five year old and pretty much remains a five year old, getting out of trouble with his charm, a smile or a kiss. I see no character growth in him, no real change in him and he really did need to grow up. There were plenty of opportunities where he could have stepped up and been a grown up, but he just never showed that kind of character.
The story line was fun and different. I'm not saying there isn't another story out there like it, but it felt fresh and fun to me and it was a great contemporary romance. Julia learned a lot and not from the guide books. And in the end it was maybe not the lightest of romances I've read, but definitely fun.
I received a copy of the novel from NetGalley for review. I was not compensated for my review. The opinions expressed are my own.
So she gets paired with Jason. He was endearing at times, but also a jerk. His actions were a little more erratic and confusing. He takes Julia to a party and then abandons her. Julia hasn't had enough to drink to really let go yet, so she's able to shake off the unattractive and offensive boys. But then as the night wears on, she's able to pretend she's someone else. And she loves not being "Book Licker". And that's when she gives out her number to so many boys she can't remember who the boy is that is texting her on the "only to be used for emergencies" phone provided by the school trip organizers. Jason takes advantage of that situation, something she expects and says he'll help her win him over if she writes their reflection papers. What ensues is a week of chasing they mysterious Chris around the streets of London trying not to get caught while Julia breaks the rules and finally learns to have fun. I see a lot of character growth in her since the story is told from her point of view and it's great to see. She let's go of a lot of preconceived notions and barriers she has and opens up to new possibilities that don't limit her.
But Jason starts out acting like a five year old and pretty much remains a five year old, getting out of trouble with his charm, a smile or a kiss. I see no character growth in him, no real change in him and he really did need to grow up. There were plenty of opportunities where he could have stepped up and been a grown up, but he just never showed that kind of character.
The story line was fun and different. I'm not saying there isn't another story out there like it, but it felt fresh and fun to me and it was a great contemporary romance. Julia learned a lot and not from the guide books. And in the end it was maybe not the lightest of romances I've read, but definitely fun.
I received a copy of the novel from NetGalley for review. I was not compensated for my review. The opinions expressed are my own.